Fidelitas Wines

Release of The Canyons

Last year we released the first vintage of The Canyons Red Wine. A fun blend of Cabernet + Malbec. What could be better than two of our favorite varietals in one bottle? The Canyons Vineyard is newer to the Fidelitas lineup. The name comes from the deeper ravines and the canyons that go right through the vineyard’s blocks. Something that contributes to the delicious taste in this wine! 

Charlie decided to take it one step further with the 2014 and included another varietal into the mix…Merlot! This vintage consists of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Malbec, and 14% Merlot. The trio turned into a fruit forward and rich masterpiece. If you are looking for the perfect red to pair with your summer BBQ’s + outdoor picnics, this is your bottle.

The 2014 Canyons Red Wine is getting released to the Wine Club on Friday, April 14th. Want to add a couple more bottles? Just reach out and we would be happy to help!

What makes Red Mountain Unique?

Fidelitas is all in on Red Mountain.  We are dedicated to producing the highest quality, Bordeaux-styled wines from the smallest growing region in Washington state.

Why the specific focus?  While we know that exceptional wines can come from every region in Washington, we also know that there are certain geographical features about Red Mountain that make it truly one of the best growing regions in the world:

A SOUTHWESTERN FACING SLOPE

The southwest slope of the Red Mountain AVA provides the vineyards in the region with a directional aspect to the sun that is ideal for prolonged sunlight exposure and warmth. These highly desirable conditions allow for a ripeness in tannins that is recognized as a primary characteristic of Red Mountain fruit.

 

WARM SUMMERS AND WINTERS

Red Mountain experiences more growing degree days than any other region in the state. The high latitude (N 46*) and topography contribute temperature swings experienced during the growing season, with daytime temperatures averaging 90 °F and night time temperatures dropping below 50 °F. These heat accumulation days create ideal temperatures for highly marketable grapes, exhibiting ripeness and concentration. The cooler evenings help to retain acidity levels which allows for the exceptional balance and structure found in Red Mountain grapes, and the wines crafted from them.

 

LOW RAINFALL

Red Mountain gathers less than 8 inches of rain per year, requiring irrigation in the vineyards. The use of drip irrigation provides ideal grape growing conditions through canopy management. Additionally, Red Mountain vines experience dramatically lower mold and mildew pressure compared to most other vineyard regions.

 

SMALLEST AVA IN WASHINGTON STATE

Red Mountain is the smallest recognized American Viticultural Area in Washington State, with 4040 acres. Of that,  about 2700 acres have been determined plantable, and only 1700 is currently under vine. Red Mountain is defined by natural borders, with the ridge of the mountain to the north and the Yakima River to the west. Red Mountain resembles a growing region more like the Old World, where one can see each block of each vineyard from a single vantage point.

 

AVA SPECIFIC SOILS

The predominate soils of Red Mountain are not found anywhere else in the state.  Wind blown Loess (Warden, Hezel, and Scooteney) were brought in by pre-historic floods. The high alkalinity and calcium carbonate content of the soil, along with its granular consistency, allows for each vine to form a well-established root system. In soils with this composition, root systems are able to reach deep to obtain the necessary nutrients and moisture.

 

CONSISTENT WINDS

The prevailing winds come out of the Southwest and are notable for their frequency and velocity. The regular gusts of warm air flow through the AVA’s vineyards during the growing season, keeping the grape clusters small and concentrating the flavors of the fruit - which contributes to their richness and intensity.

March Madness Selections

While every sports fan is making their bracket selections for March Madness, I realized I have never created a bracket. As I’m not the biggest basketball fan, (I know…tall girl who doesn’t like basketball is shocking) I decided to complete my first bracket, with wine selections.

That’s right! I compiled a list of my all-time favorite Fidelitas Wines and put them to the test. This was quite the challenge, for those of you who have asked me what my favorite wine is, you know I don’t usually pick favorites. I typically end up naming every wine we have in our lineup. For me, a physical challenge that pushed me to my wine limits.

For those of you who do follow March Madness, go ahead and use my bracket to pair each round with a new favorite! 

 

Why Red Mountain Cabernet is My Trusty Go To

1. Who doesn’t love Cabernet from Red Mountain? With so many great Cabs coming out of the Red Mountain AVA it can sometimes be overwhelming to know what to grab at a moments notice without digging into research behind the bottle. Our Red Mountain Cabernet gives it to you straight: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 100% Clone 8 (the Washington clone!), 100% Sourced from Red Mountain Vineyards.
2. It’s the perfect glass pour. I remember a fond memory of last September when we released this wine. I took one home the night we released it because I just wanted one glass before bed…this easy drinker had me through most of a bottle before I even realized it! There’s an excellent balance in the silky and rounded tannins, plus  the oak on it (35% New French Oak, 26% New American Oak) is just right.
3. It’s great to take to parties…or give to friends, family, strangers who do a kind deed for you. Whoever may be on the receiving end will probably fall in love with this wine. It can be hard to pick out wine for somebody else! From our experience sharing this wine (which is quite a bit) we haven’t found a skeptic around who didn’t enjoy this bottle.
4. The price is right! A 100% Cabernet sourced from top vineyards including Quintessence, Fidelitas Estate, The Canyons, and Red Heaven is typically going to veer toward the higher end of the price spectrum. This Cab is priced for consumers to be able to enjoy a premium Cabernet on a regular basis…plus we sweetened the pot by offering it at an even lower price for the month of March! 

MARCH PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

2013 Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

Regularly $50 - now $45 through March 31

shipping including on purchases of 6 or more bottles